Member Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is established to promote and maintain the highest professional standards of service among the CaliforniaGeo membership by creating a culture of honesty, trust and respect. CaliforniaGeo members agree to abide by the following Member Code of Ethics.

1. Member will perform duties and services in such fashion as to be a credit to the Association and the geothermal heat pump profession.

2. Member will place client benefit before profit and exercise integrity in declining any business opportunity that will knowingly do an injustice to the client.

3. Where the member is the principal designer for a geothermal heat pump system, the energy simulation and/or loads analysis that provides at a minimum peak loads and cumulative energy loads, design methodology and calculations shall be in accordance with accepted industry methods and abide by applicable codes. Acceptable methods for residential projects include ACCA Manual J and methods listed in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook Chapter on Residential Cooling and Heating Load Calculations. For non-residential projects, acceptable methods listed in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook Chapter on Nonresidential Cooling and Heating Load Calculations and ACCA Manual N are acceptable. No rules of thumb shall be used.

4. Member will insure that all work will be installed and commissioned in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards and applicable codes.

5. Upon completion of any geothermal heat pump system installation directed by member, member will provide the customer with proper training on the system operation and will provide the owner with the appropriate operation and maintenance manuals.

6. Member will make every effort to promptly respond to any cause of dissatisfaction when warranted by a customers’ request.

7. Member communications with customers will be forthright and will provide all contract terms and warranties in writing.

8. Member will promote high ethical standards among fellow members at all times and shall not attempt to either falsely or maliciously injure the reputation, business and/or employment status of any fellow member, individual, organization or agency.

9. Member will continue with professional development activities and will provide opportunities for the professional and ethical development of those under their supervision.

10. If member acquires positive knowledge of a violation of the Code of Ethics by another member, he/she shall bring such action to the attention of the Board of Directors. Member understands that alleged violations shall be addressed per Section 4.3.2 of the Association’s Bylaws.